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Warner Bros. Is Bringing 17 Shows to Comic-Con — Did Your Favorites Make The Cut?

Our culture has a habit of putting celebrities on a pedestal. We sensationalize their every move and, as a result, wind up with superhuman figures to idolize and fear. But really, they’re just people — like any of us. They’re prone to ordinary hobbies, like lounging about and going for a dip. And they're susceptible to everyday weaknesses, like dropping six figures on Gucci merchandise. And that's why, to us, Buzz Bissinger — the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former CBS sports radio host, author of the eponymous book that inspired the film and TV series Friday Night Lights, and self-professed recovering shopaholic — is just an average joe. The acclaimed writer penned a candid article for the forthcoming issue of GQ, opening up to fans about his egregiously expensive indulgence (he recalls a single instance that landed him $638,413 in the hole) and his decision to seek rehabilitation.
In all sincerity, Bissinger's quest for self-betterment is laudable. But his addiction is the stuff only Hollywood can dream up. Sure, there are shopping addicts among the hoi polloi, but most of 'em have to settle for cheap knockoffs or the barter system... Gucci-themed night outings aren't really a rock bottom many are capable of hitting.
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When it comes to the spotlit community, in fact, all addictions, compulsions, and even fears seem more glamorous. A few years back, when Argo was but a gleam of an idea, a pre-esteemed Ben Affleck had quite a proclivity for gambling, losing thousands upon thousands of dollars in high society poker games (and yet Matt Damon was still the better choice for Rounders). We're not talking about your thrice divorced uncle's seedy hold 'em gatherings in the storage unit he "inherited" from the elderly neighbor nobody has seen in a while. The folk that made up Affleck's games are Hollywood elites, industry moguls! Three-piece suit-wearing cigar toters who almost bankrupt the man in his State of Play days.
But what's cooler than big name card games or designer shopping sprees? Sex. Sex is cool, which logically makes sex addicts the coolest. As such, David Duchovny — who not only plays a sufferer of satyriasis week to week on Showtime's Californication, but has actually confessed to being one in real life — is the freakin' Fonz. Who also, come to think of it, seemed to have some kind of pansexuality disorder.
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It's easy to look like a winner when you're buying fancy clothes, scoring chips with royal flushes, or succumbing to your Mulderistic desires. But only celebrities can maintain this urbanity when fleeing in a misguided panic. Take David Boreanaz: the Buffy and Angel vet can't even traverse to the frozen foods section of his local supermarket. Why? Because he's dreadfully afraid of chickens. Now, an ordinary person would earn head shakes of shame and a few Twitter blocks if he or she were to speak candidly about this degree of alektorophobia. But with a star stature like Boreanaz's (and really, who ranks higher in this day and age?), we're all made to rethink our stance on the so-called innocent farm birds. They're natural cannibals, you know.
Chickens be damned. You'll likely rearrange your entire domicile upon hearing the domestic aversions certain celebs uphold: mirrors (Pamela Anderson hates them), houseplants (Christina Ricci detests them), antique furniture (Billy Bob Thornton is disgusted by it). To the yard sale with ye!
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While we may resent their ability to get away with anything, perhaps celebrity idolatry is a good thing: the next time you're ruing your own psychological maladies, fear not. Just wait for some actor or model to open up about his or her similar eccentricity. And then all you've got to do is hop on that bandwagon. "Sure, I'm psychotically addicted to tomato paste," you'll say proudly. "But didn't you hear? So is Skeet Ulrich." And you're gold.
Follow Michael Arbeiter on Twitter @MichaelArbeiter
[Photo Credit: Alexandra Wyman/WireImage]
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If you’re a Rolling Stones fan, wild horses couldn’t have dragged you away from HBO last night. The band’s latest documentary Crossfire Hurricane—one of the very best films ever made about the group, and there’ve been many—made its TV debut on the pay-cable network. To condense fifty years of Stones history must have been a daunting task for director Brett Morgen, who previously trained his lens on no less larger than life a figure than maverick producer Robert Evans in The Kid Stays in the Picture. So he very judiciously parsed what highs and lows to cover, and all but glossed over everything the Stones have done since 1981, the year they released what many consider to be their last great album, Tattoo You. “The audience will have to make up their own minds about how well it covers our history,” Keith Richards told Hollywood.com at the film’s U.S. premiere Tuesday night at New York City’s Ziegfeld Theatre. “I can’t make up mine, so I wish them luck.”
Crossfire Hurricane is less a blow-by-blow account of Stones arcana than an experimental tone poem to their boundary-pushing personas as ‘60s provocateurs extraordinaire. During songs like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” Morgen splices clips of the band performing with period commercials and Vietnam war footage to show what exactly the Stones were implicitly in rebellion against: a complacent society that was both violent and sanctimonious. Thankfully, they’re no “talking heads” trying to contextualize the rapid-fire images for us and say why the band was important. Instead, Morgen, acting more as a curator and editor than director, recorded over 80 hours of audio interviews with Mick Jagger, Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Mick Taylor and played their commentary over found footage. “When Mick called me, he said he wanted me to make a movie,” Morgen says. “And I said, ‘You mean like a miniseries?’ And he said, ‘No, I want it to be a movie.’” Jagger himself had a generational statement in mind with Crossfire Hurricane. Introducing the film at the Ziegfeld premiere, Jagger, wearing a green velvet blazer, said after two standing ovations that he hoped the film would “…take you back to a younger but perhaps not gentler America. An America where only IBM and the military had computers. Where there were no smartphones nor emails. A simpler America. An America where we didn’t read other people’s emails, so we didn’t know if four-star generals were having affairs with their biographers”—a reference to the recent scandal involving David Petraeus.
Many of the clips in Crossfire Hurricane have appeared in previous Stones documentaries like Gimme Shelter or C***sucker Blues. But Morgen’s collage aesthetic lets the different pieces of footage bounce off one another, mapping new connections among the songs, the fashions, the wild stage antics, the cartoonish egos, the messy personal lives, to make a statement about the Stones as a cracked-mirror reflection of the Baby Boomers’ generational possibility. Having just made the serious mistake of attempting to interview drummer Charlie Watts and getting his reply of “I don’t know” to every question I asked, it was heartening for me, as a journalist, to see a 1965 clip of Watts only answering “I don’t know” to questions presented by a TV broadcaster.
As a filmmaker Moren seems interested in covering epochs in the band’s creative life, not events. Much like how Al Reinert’s For All Mankind imagined all seven manned moon missions as one grand adventure, Morgen projects a rock &amp; roll continuum of hormonal sensation and experience for a time when moving your hips was still a political act. That’s why it’s named Crossfire Hurricane, after the opening line of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”: “I was born in a crossfire hurricane…” Morgen tells Hollywood.com, “The whole movie leads up to ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’ It represents a crescendo for the band after all the criticism they’d incurred from concerned parents, and certainly their drug bust. The whole film builds up to that song, in a way.” The Stones may have recognized that you can’t always get what you want, but they would fight to the death for your right to do what you want.
As for the Stones today, sadly none of their recent preparation for a rumored 50th anniversary world tour is included in the movie. “I filmed the rehearsals in Weehawken, New Jersey in May,” Morgen says. “And those will be on the DVD. It’s an image of the band that nobody’s ever seen. We haven’t glossed it up with a lot of big shiny lights and all. It’s just raw. It’s the band performing for themselves. I wanted it to end the film, but we’re saving it for the DVD.” Adding his two pence, Ronnie Wood, clutching an opened can of Red Bull agrees. “The music is so electrifying in that rehearsal. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Did you catch Crossfire Hurricane last night? Where do you think it ranks among the all-time great Rolling Stones docs? And might you pick up the DVD for that new rehearsal footage alone?
Follow Christian Blauvelt on Twitter: @Ctblauvelt
[Photo Credit: HBO]
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There is something particularly unnerving about demon possession. It's the idea of something you can't see or control creeping into your body and taking up residence eventually obliterating all you once were and turning you into nothing more than a sack of meat to be manipulated. Then there's also the shrouded ritual around exorcisms: the Latin chants the flesh-sizzling crucifixes and the burning Holy Water. As it turns out exorcism isn't just the domain of Catholics.
The myths and legends of the Jews aren't nearly as well known but their creepy dybbuk goes toe-to-toe with anything other world religions come up with. There are various interpretations of what a dybbuk is or where it comes from — is it a ghost a demon a soul of a sinner? — but in any case it's looking for a body to hang out in for a while. Especially according to the solemn Hasidic Jews in The Possession an innocent young person and even better a young girl.
The central idea in The Possession is that a fancy-looking wooden box bought at a garage sale was specifically created to house a dybbuk that was tormenting its previous owner. Unfortunately it caught the eye of young Emily (Natasha Calis) a sensitive artistic girl who persuades her freshly divorced dad Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan of Watchmen and Grey's Anatomy) to buy it for her. Never mind the odd carvings on it — that would be Hebrew — or how it's created without seams so it would be difficult to open or why it's an object of fascination for a young girl; Clyde is trying really hard to please his disaffected daughters and do the typical freshly divorced parent dance of trying to please them no matter the cost.
Soon enough the creepy voices calling to Emily from the box convince her to open it up; inside are even creepier personal objects that are just harbingers of what's to come for her her older sister Hannah (Madison Davenport) her mom Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) and even Stephanie's annoying new boyfriend Brett (Grant Show). Clyde and Stephanie squabble over things like pizza for dinner and try to convince each other and themselves that Emily's increasingly odd behavior is that of a troubled adolescent. It's not of course and eventually Clyde enlists the help of the son of a Hasidic rabbi a young man named Tzadok played by the former Hasidic reggae musician Matisyahu to help them perform an exorcism on Emily.
The Possession is not going to join the ranks of The Exorcist in the horror pantheon but it does do a remarkable job of making its characters intelligent and even occasionally droll and it offers up plenty of chills despite a PG-13 rating. Perhaps it's because of that rating that The Possession is so effective; the filmmakers are forced to make the benign scary. Giant moths and flying Torahs take the place of little Reagan violently masturbating with a crucifix in The Exorcist. Gagging and binging on food is also an indicator of Emily's possession — an interesting twist given the anxieties of becoming a woman a girl Emily's age would face. There is something inside her controlling her and she knows it and she is fighting it. The most impressive part of Calis's performance is how she communicates Emily's torment with a few simple tears rolling down her face as the dybbuk's control grows. The camerawork adds to the anxiety; one particularly scary scene uses ordinary glass kitchenware to great effect.
The Possession is a short 92 minutes and it does dawdle in places. It seems as though some of the scenes were juggled around to make the PG-13 cut; the moth infestation scene would have made more sense later in the movie. Some of the problems are solved too quickly or simply and yet it also takes a while for Clyde's character to get with it. Stephanie is a fairly bland character; she makes jewelry and yells at Clyde for not being present in their marriage a lot and then there's a thing with a restraining order that's pretty silly. Emily is occasionally dressed up like your typical horror movie spooky girl with shadowed eyes an over-powdered face and dark clothes; it's much more disturbing when she just looks like an ordinary though ill young girl. The scenes in the heavily Hasidic neighborhood in Brooklyn look oddly fake and while it's hard to think of who else could have played Tzadok an observant Hasidic Jew who is also an outsider willing to take risks the others will not Matisyahu is not a very good actor. Still the filmmakers should be commended for authenticity insofar as Matisyahu has studied and lived as a Hasidic Jew.
It would be cool if Lionsgate and Ghost House Pictures were to release the R-rated version of the movie on DVD. What the filmmakers have done within the confines of a PG-13 rating is creepy enough to make me curious to see the more adult version. The Possession is no horror superstar and its name is all too forgettable in a summer full of long-gestating horror movies quickly pushed out the door. It's entertaining enough and could even find a broader audience on DVD. Jeffrey Dean Morgan can read the Old Testament to me any time.

Comic-Con. The mecca of pop culture.
Movies, TV, Comic and Gaming enthusiasts will gather in the temperate California town for a five-day, pop culture extravaganza, where the top dogs in every field come to showcase their latest and greatest products. Whether it's the Hall H premiere trailer of a new summer blockbuster, the cast meet and greet in Ballroom 20 for the hot new TV show or just a sit down with some insightful creator-types in a dark and dingy backroom, SDCC is always full of surprises and this year looks to be no different.
We'll be there on the ground floor picking up all the news bites as they break, but you can check out the schedule for the first two days below -- and better prepare for the onslaught of updates!
Saturday, July 23
10:00-11:30 Activision— Legends from across the Marvel landscape and the entertainment industry come together in one epic panel to discuss their roles in upcoming Activision Marvel video games X-Men Destiny and Spider-Man: Edge of Time. Comic book legend Stan Lee reflects upon the latest adventures of his creations with famed Marvel writer Peter David (creator of Spider-Man 2099) and Marvel VP of Games TQ Jefferson. Dee Brown, studio head of Beenox, and Jullian Spillane, project director of Silicon Knights, give everyone an inside look into how they balance staying true to the Marvel universe while bringing something original and exciting to fans in a video game. A talented voice cast of known celebrities rounds out the legends to discuss bringing Marvel characters to life in the games (check Facebook.com/HeroHQ for announcements). Finally, see an exclusive preview of never-before-seen footage for the upcoming games, and enter a chance to win a one-of-a-kind poster signed by Stan Lee himself at the panel! Moderated by Ryan Penagos, editorial director of Marvel.com. Room 5AB
10:00-10:45 Chuck Screening and Q&amp;A— Comic-Con fan-favorite Chuck returns with a bang for its farewell panel to celebrate its fifth and final season. Executive producer and co-creator Chris Fedak, along with series stars Zachary Levi (Alvin and the Chipmunks), Yvonne Strahovski (upcoming My Mother's Curse), Joshua Gomez (Without a Trace), Ryan McPartlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence (The Pursuit of Happyness), Vik Sahay (Good Will Hunting), Scott Krinsky (The O.C.) with Sarah Lancaster (The Good Doctor), and Adam Baldwin (Serenity), offer a Q&amp;A with fans and an unforgettable video presentation. Produced by Fake Empire, Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Chuck airs Friday at 8:00 ET/PT on NBC, and Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD this fall. Ballroom 20
10:30-11:30 Marvel Television— Marvel's head of TV Jeph Loeb brings the inside scoop on Marvel's latest series that take your favorite heroes from page to screen. Get a first look at the premiere of The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes season two, a sneak peek at a certain ultimate webslinger, and a few other surprises from Marvel Television. Room 6BCF
10:30-11:30 The Return of Action-Adventure Animation— The pendulum of audience and network taste in animation regularly swings between wacky comedy, comedy-adventure, and true action-adventure. And that's where it seems to be heading right now. The Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus returns to Comic-Con with a panel of animation writers and studio and network executives discussing whether it's really changing and what to expect. Panelists include moderator Craig Miller (Beast Wars, G.I. Joe), Stan Berkowitz (The 99, Justice League), Steven Melching (Transformers Prime, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Warner Bros. Animation's director of series and shorts Jeff Prezenkowski (Thundercats, Green Lantern), and others. Room 8
11:00-12:00 Terra Nova— Star Stephen Lang (Avatar), executive producer Rene Echevarria (Castle, Medium, The 4400, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), executive producer Brannon Braga (24, Star Trek: Enterprise), and co-executive producer Jose Molina (Haven, Castle) premiere footage from the highly anticipated epic adventure series 85 million years in the making, set to premiere this September on FOX. This new event drama from the minds of Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, The Pacific) and Peter Chernin follows an ordinary family on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race. Ballroom 20
11:00-12:00 Sanctuary— Thrilling action, revolutionary green screen sets, and more bumps in the night than you can count. Catch Amanda Tapping (Helen Magnus), Robin Dunne (Will Zimmerman), and moderator Josh Gates (Destination Truth) as they take you inside Syfy's hit series Sanctuary. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
11:45-12:45 TWIXT: Francis Ford Coppola and Dan Deacon— Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and acclaimed musician Dan Deacon present sequences from Coppola's latest film, TWIXT, and involve the audience in a dress rehearsal of the completely unique and innovative way they plan on performing it. Plus a Q&amp;A session. Hall H
12:00-1:00 The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen— It's a landmark summer for comic-based films and with millions of dollars and the reputations of the properties being adapted at stake, it's important to examine the process by which these films come to life. Moderator Jeff Goldsmith (host of The Q&amp;A with Jeff Goldsmith podcast) interviews screenwriters Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (co-writers of Cowboys and Aliens) and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (Captain America) as they shed light on their unique screenwriting habits and process of adaptation. Room 23ABC
12:00-1:00 Being Human— Find out why Being Human is harder than it looks -- especially when you're a vampire, werewolf, or ghost. Don't miss Sam Witwer (Aidan), Meaghan Rath (Sally), and Sam Huntington (Josh) as they join executive producers Jeremy Carver and Anna Fricke on Syfy's first Being Human panel, moderated by award-winning writer Nadira Hira (expert on Generation Y; contributor, Fortune magazine). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
12:15-1:00 Futurama— Futurama is back! Again! On stage will be creator/executive producer Matt Groening, executive producer David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West (Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg), Katey Sagal (Leela), John DiMaggio (Bender), and Maurice LaMarche (Kif Kroker, Calculon, Morbo). Get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage of Futurama reincarnated as Japanese anime, along with a thrilling preview of this summer's new season on Comedy Central. Moderated by Bill Morrison. Ballroom 20
12:30-1:30 Marvel Interactive: Marvel Video Games— Learn all about Spider-Man: Edge of Time, X-Men Destiny, Captain America: Super Soldier, Super Hero Squad Online, Super Hero Squad 3DS and uDraw, Marvel Pinball, and the Marvel Universe MMO. Also, find out some exciting new details about the future of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and other Marvel games via exclusive trailers, surprise reveals, and Q&amp;A with the game creators from some of the industry's top publishers. Room 6A
1:00-1:45 The Simpsons— Now entering its record-annihilating 23rd season on FOX and airing its landmark 500th episode on February 19, 2012, The Simpsons has won 27 Emmy awards, was the subject of an international film smash in 2007, and inspired a ride you ride again at Universal Studios. Plus, Homer Simpson was named the greatest television character of the last 20 years by Entertainment Weekly. Get insight into the daily doings of this series from creator Matt Groening, showrunner Al Jean, co-executive producer Rob Lazebnik, co-executive producer Matt Warburton, supervising producer Mike Anderson, and producer/panel moderator Tom Gammill. Ballroom 20
1:00-2:00 Designing the SuperHero Costume: Costume Designers, Costume Illustrators and Superhero Costume Builders— Costume designers work with costume illustrators to translate graphic artists' renderings into wearable, functioning, cinematic costumes. Hear the inside stories from the people who bring the superhero costume to life. Moderator Deborah Nadoolman Landis (member of Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, costume designer, Raiders of the Lost Ark, director of the David C. Copley Center for Costume Design at UCLA) is joined by costume designers Christine Bieslin-Clark (co-costume designer, Tron: Legacy) and Ellen Mirojnick (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Christian Beckman of Quantum FX, Inc. (specialty costume fabricator, Tron: Legacy, Watchmen), costume manufacturers Mary Ellen Fields of Bill Hargate Costumes (Iron Man 2), and Marilyn Madsen (Star Trek TV series), and costume illustrators Constantine Sekeres (Thor, Green Lantern) and Christian Cordella (GI Joe 2: Cobra Strikes, Captain America: The Last Avenger). Room 23ABC
1:00-2:00 Relativity Media: Immortals— Visionary director Tarsem Singh transports viewers in this epic tale of treachery, vengeance, and destiny in this stylish and visually spectacular 3D action adventure. The brutal and bloodthirsty King Hyperion and his murderous Heraklion (Mickey Rourke) rampage across Greece in search of the long lost Bow of Epirus. With the invincible Bow, the king will be able to overthrow the Gods of Olympus and become the undisputed master of his world. As village after village is obliterated, a stonemason named Theseus vows to avenge his mother, who was killed in one of Hyperion's brutal raids. When Theseus meets the Sybelline Oracle Phaedra, her disturbing visions of the young man's future convince her that he is the key to stopping the destruction. With her help, Theseus assembles a small band of followers and embraces his destiny in a final, desperate battle for the future of humanity. Stars Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Kellan Lutz will participate in this panel alongside producers Gianni Nunnari and Mark Canton. Hall H
1:00-2:00 Community— The cast and creative team from Sony TV's critically acclaimed NBC series -- Joel McHale (The Soup), Chevy Chase (Hot Tub Time Machine), Donald Glover (30 Rock), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rules of Engagement), Danny Pudi (Greek), Gillian Jacobs (Choke), Alison Brie (Mad Men), and Ken Jeong (The Hangover Part II), and executive producers Dan Harmon (The Sarah Silverman Program), Joe Russo (Arrested Development), Anthony Russo (Arrested Development), Neil Goldman (Scrubs), Garrett Donovan (Scrubs) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist) -- come together for an animated discussion and Q&amp;A session about what's in store for viewers this fall! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
2:00-2:35 Family Guy— Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Adam West (Batman), and executive producers Mark Hentemann, Steve Callaghan, and Kara Vallow present a sneak peek at the new episode Stewie Goes for a Drive, featuring voice guest star Ryan Reynolds, followed by a Q&amp;A session. Ballroom 20
2:15-3:15 Knights of Badassdom— In this humorous fantasy adventure from IndieVest Pictures, Joe (Ryan Kwanten) is a heavy metal rocker who's just gone through a painful breakup with his girlfriend, Beth (Margarita Levieva). His concerned roommates (Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage) kidnap him to their LARP (Live Action Role Playing) gathering, where he enters a realm of fantasy escapism in which pretend knights, elves, and barbarians clash with foam weaponry on a mock battlefield. When Joe's "sorcerer" roommate (Zahn) inadvertently summons a deadly succubus that takes Beth's seductive form, bloody reality crashes down on their fantasy world. Once LARPers start to turn up dead, the make-believe wizards and warriors must become the real-life heroes they have been pretending to be in order to conquer the evil that has been unleashed. The panel will include a Comic-Con exclusive trailer and a discussion/Q&amp;A with stars Ryan Kwanten (HBO's True Blood, Red Hill), Peter Dinklage (HBO's Game of Thrones, Station Agent), Steve Zahn, pending availability (HBO's Tremé, Saving Silverman), Summer Glau (Firefly, Serenity, The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Danny Pudi (NBC's Community), Jimmi Simpson, pending availability (A&amp;E's Breakout Kings, Date Night), Margarita Levieva (The Lincoln Lawyer, Adventureland). and director Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2). Knights of Badassdom will be released in Spring 2012. Hall H
2:30-3:30 TV Guide Magazine Presents: Super Supernaturals— Moderated by TV Guide senior editor William Keck, this panel features the most super supernaturals, super witches, and super werewolves from new series and returning favorites. Panelists include John Barrowman (Torchwood), Kristin Bauer (True Blood), Thomas Dekker (The Secret Circle), David Greenwalt (Grimm), Theo James (Bedlam), Jim Kouf (Grimm), Britt Robertson (The Secret Circle), Phoebe Tonkin (The Secret Circle), and Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf). Room 5AB
2:35-3:15 American Dad— Catch a preview of the Season 7 premiere of American Dad, featuring guest star Cee-Lo Green as a singing hot tub, followed by a Q&amp;A with cast members Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes, Rachael MacFarlane, and Dee Bradley Baker and executive producers Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman, and Kara Vallow. Ballroom 20
3:00-4:00 Assassin's Creed: The Creation of a Universe— The writers behind Assassin's Creed Revelations discuss and answer your questions about the thrilling fourth installment in the critically acclaimed entertainment franchise. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ezio's final journey will unfold as he walks in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, Altair, on a perilous journey of doubt and discovery. Watch the exclusive preview of Assassin's Creed Embers, the animated short film and explore how the Ubisoft Montreal development team has created an Assassin's Creed universe that weaves real world history and global conspiracies into an ancient war between Assassins and Templars through a variety of media. Panelists will include creators of the upcoming Assassin's Creed Revelations game, animated short film, and comic book. Room 25ABC
3:00-4:00 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon— Long before signing on to helm one of the most anticipated superhero films in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plot lines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, including a sneak peek at the brand-new Angel &amp; Faith and Buffy Season 9 comics, plus exciting news about Buffy digital comics! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
3:30-4:15 The Vampire Diaries Screening and Q&amp;A— All the way from Mystic Falls, the cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries descend on Comic-Con for a third time! Series stars Nina Dobrev (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Roll Bounce), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Candice Accola (Juno), and Joseph Morgan (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World) join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson (Scream) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) to enthrall fans with a season two highlight reel and Q&amp;A session. This edgy, romantic drama remains the number-one series on The CW and promises another round of twists, turns and "triangles" in season three. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment, and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW, and The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD August 30. Ballroom 20
3:30-4:15 Universal Pictures: Snow White and the Huntsmen— Universal Pictures is bringing the stars and filmmakers of its epic action-adventure film based on the script Snow White and the Huntsman to Comic-Con. Scheduled to appear to discuss their roles in this breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale are Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Oscar winner Charlize Theron (Prometheus), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides). Director Rupert Sanders (Halo 3 campaign) and other filmmakers will also be on hand to reveal exclusive footage. Q&amp;A session to follow. Hall H
4:15-5:15 Grimm: World Premiere Pilot Screening and Q&amp;A with Cast and Producers from the New Supernatural Series— From the creative minds behind fan-favorite series Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and X-Files, comes a new world of police work where all cases have a storybook connection...but not always happily ever after. Grimm, debuting on NBC this fall, is a provocative police procedural with a supernatural mythology, inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. Those weren't stories -- they were warnings. Be the first to watch the pilot episode and participate in a Q&amp;A session with the cast and producers: David Giuntoli (Turn the Beat Around), Russell Hornsby (Lincoln Heights), Bitsie Tulloch (Quarterlife), Silas Weir Mitchell (Prison Break), Reggie Lee (Persons Unknown), and Sasha Roiz (Caprica) and executive producers/writers Jim Kouf (Angel) and David Greenwalt (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Room 6A
4:30-5:15 Fringe Screening and Q&amp;A— Fringe returns to Comic-Con with series stars Anna Torv, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole, and John Noble and executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman for a Q&amp;A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Delve into parallel universes and alternate doppelgangers and join the discussion about this critically acclaimed thriller as Fringe continues to explore otherworldly cases with endless impossibilities. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Fridays at 9/8c on FOX, and Fringe: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 6. Ballroom 20
4:30-5:30 Further over the Rainbow: A First Look at Dorothy of Oz— Join the author and creator, Roger Baum (great grandson of L. Frank Baum), songwriter, producers, and various cast members of Summertime Entertainment's Dorothy of Oz, as they discuss the many angles of creating the anticipated new 2012 animated musical starring Lea Michele (Glee), Megan Hilty (Wicked, Spielberg's Smash), Martin Short (How I Met Your Mother, Frankenweenie), and Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: TNG, X-Men). Be the very first to see the footage, hear the music, and witness a surprise new casting announcement. Q&amp;A to follow. Hall H
5:00-6:00 Costume Designers &amp; Costume Illustrators— Meet the men and women who are the costume designers and costume illustrators on this year's blockbuster films. Moderator Susan Nininger (member of Costume Designers Guild, Local 892; costume designer, The Bodyguard) talks to panelists and costume designers Julie Weiss (Twelve Monkeys, The Ring), Joseph Porro (Stargate, Ultra Violet), Wendy Chuck (Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Twilight), and costume illustrators Christian Cordella (G.I. Joe 2: Cobra Strikes, Captain America: The First Avenger), Constantine Sekeres (G.I. Joe 2: Cobra Strikes, Superman: Man of Steel, Thor, Green Lantern), Phillip Boutte (Superman: Man of Steel, Twilight Saga), and Brian Valenzuela (Super 8, Mission Impossible 4). Room 23ABC
5:00-6:00 Charlie's Angels— The cast and creative team from Sony TV's highly anticipated action-packed series Charlie's Angels for ABC -- Annie Ilonzeh (General Hospital), Minka Kelly (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), Rachael Taylor (Grey's Anatomy), Ramon Rodriguez (The Wire, Daybreak) and executive producers Alfred Gough (Smallville) and Miles Millar (Smallville) come to Comic-Con to discuss their new series. The series is also executive-produced by Drew Barrymore (Charlie's Angels movies), Leonard Goldberg (the original Charlie's Angels), Nancy Juvonen (Charlie's Angels movies), and Marcos Siega (Vampire Diaries, Dexter). Join the cast &amp; producers for a dynamic discussion and Q&amp;A session about what's in store for viewers this fall! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
5:15-6:00 Alcatraz Pilot Screening and Q&amp;A— Catch a special pilot screening of Alcatraz, a chilling new thriller centering on America's most infamous prison and the mysterious return of its most notorious criminals. When an Alcatraz inmate is discovered walking the streets of present-day San Francisco -- not having aged a bit since the 1960s -- a sinister threat begins to unravel. Where have these prisoners been? Why are they back? After the screening, there will be a special Q&amp;A with Alcatraz writer and executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff (Lost) and series stars Sarah Jones (Sons of Anarchy) and Jorge Garcia (Lost). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Alcatraz will air midseason on FOX. Ballroom 20
5:30-6:30 Teen Wolf— MTV's critically acclaimed hit series Teen Wolf is coming back to Comic-Con! Join the cast -- Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Dylan O'Brien, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden, and Colton Haynes -- along with executive producer Jeff Davis (creator, Criminal Minds), and director/co-executive producer Russell Mulcahy (director, Resident Evil: Extinction) for a Q&amp;A session, plus an exclusive sneak peak at the remaining four episodes. Room 24ABC
5:45-7:30 An Early Evening with Kevin Smith— You know Comic-Con is over for the night on Saturday when the fat man sings. Kevin Smith takes to the Hall H stage for his annual Q&amp;A. Fair warning: he works bluer than Doctor Manhattan (though, unlike Doctor Manhattan, Smith will wear clothes for this performance). Hall H
6:00-7:00 Twisted Metal— David Jaffe, director and lead designer of God of War and co-director of the upcoming Playstation 3 exclusive Twisted Metal, reveals the newest Twisted trailer featuring the demented Dollface and shows off a near final cut of the game's opening live-action cinematic. David will also take the audience through the single-player campaign, including a sneak peak of a new boss: The Brothers Grimm! Plus lots more Twisted surprises! Room 5AB
6:00-6:45 Nikita Screening and Q&amp;A— Nikita returns to Comic-Con with series stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3), Shane West (ER), Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) for its latest mission: to unveil an exclusive video presentation and reveal classified information from the highly anticipated second season that finds Nikita and Michael on the run with a black box containing the government's darkest secrets. Leading the hunt for them is Alex...and she knows all of Nikita's tricks. What will the Comic-Con Q&amp;A reveal? From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW. Nikita: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 30. Room 6BCF
6:00-7:00 Behind the Music with CW3PR: Composing for Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror— Join scoring and composing legends Nathan Barr (True Blood), Michael Giacchino (Super 8, John Carter, Mission: Impossible), James Levine (Glee), Jim Dooley (Wilfred), Danny Jacob (Phineas and Ferb), Robert Duncan (Castle, The Entitled), and Edward Rogers (Warehouse 13), as they discuss their pivotal role in some of today's top film &amp; TV projects. Special guest moderator to be revealed at panel. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
6:45-7:30 Person of Interest Pilot Screening and Q&amp;A— A peerless creative team is behind this new white-knuckle action series -- including creator/executive producer Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight) and showrunner/executive producer Greg Plageman (Cold Case) -- about an ex-CIA agent, presumed dead, who partners with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes in New York City. Join these producers plus stars Jim Caviezel (The Thin Red Line), Michael Emerson (Lost), and Taraji P. Henson (Academy Award nominee, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) for an inside look at one of the most anticipated new shows of the fall season, including an exclusive screening of the pilot episode and Q&amp;A. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Person of Interest will air Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS. Room 6BCF
9:30-10:30 FX Pilot Sneak Peek Screening— Surprise! Stop by for a special Saturday night sneak peek at one of FX's most highly anticipated pilots. At press time, details of this exclusive screening event were unable to be released by FX, so please check the room sign outside of Room 6DE for updated details. Room 6DE
Sunday, July 24
10:00-11:00 Young Justice Screening and Q&amp;A— Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Red Arrow, and Superboy -- these aren't your average sidekicks and this isn't your average cartoon. In a short amount of time, and with just a small number of episodes, fans have embraced this new action-adventure series as Warner Bros. Animation has brought some of their favorite DC heroes to life. Following a special screening, producers Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles) and members of the creative team will answer your burning questions on what the future holds for "the team." Young Justice Season 1, Part 1 is available on DVD now. Room 7AB
10:00-11:00 The Evolution from Warhawk to Starhawk: The New Universe that Is Starhawk and the Characters Behind the Conflict— Meet the creative minds behind Starhawk, the spiritual successor to Warhawk, as they introduce you to an exciting new world set in the lawless frontier of space. The team at LightBox Interactive and Sony Computer Entertainment's Santa Monica Studio bring you an action-packed story with compelling characters, beginning with hired gunslinger Emmett Graves. Learn about how Emmett must navigate through Starhawk's brutal playground of large-scale combat, where the tide of battle turns all the time. You'll discover details about Emmett's backstory, his affliction to Rift Energy, and his overwhelming distaste for The Outcast, the war band of deadly monstrosities that he must fight to destroy in this PlayStation 3 exclusive. IGN.com's Greg Miller moderates with Starhawk's creative director Lars DeVore (LightBox Interactive), senior producer Harvard Bonin (SCEA Santa Monica Studio), studio director John Hight (SCEA Santa Monica Studio), and writer, Koen Wooten, who provide insight into the creative process behind Starhawk's space western universe with never-before-seen concept art, exclusive story details, and in-depth commentary, straight from the men behind this innovative new shooter experience. Room 25ABC
10:00-11:00 Glee— Creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy, creator/executive producer Brad Falchuk, and stars of Glee present a sneak peek at Glee The 3D Concert Movie featuring never-before-seen footage, behind-the-scenes secrets, and Q&amp;A session. Hall H
11:00-12:00 Allen Gregory— Creator/executive producer and star Jonah Hill (Superbad, Get Him to the Greek), showrunner David Goodman (Family Guy), and creators/executive producers Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul, along with an all-star voice cast including French Stewart and Nat Faxon, present a sneak peek at FOX's new animated series that tells the story of the most pretentious 7-year-old of our time. Exclusive preview of Allen Gregory animation will be followed by a fan Q&amp;A session. Room 25ABC
11:15-12:15 Supernatural Screening and Q&amp;A— For the first time ever, the Supernatural panel will be in Hall H! Series stars Jared Padalecki (Friday the 13th [2009]) and Jensen Ackles (My Bloody Valentine 3D) and additional cast members and executive producers present an exclusive sneak peek at footage from the highly anticipated seventh season of this thrill-ride series. The panel will answer questions from the audience, show a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season DVD and Blu-ray release (in stores September 13), and give Comic-Con fans a sneak peek at Supernatural: The Anime Series, coming to DVD and Blu-ray on July 26. Supernatural airs Fridays at 9/8c on The CW and is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television. Hall H
11:45-12:45 One-on-One with Castle Star Nathan Fillion— Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and the cast of Castle offer a lively discussion about their popular ABC crime-solving series. If you at last year's panel, you'll remember the fun and surprises. Enjoy a sneak peek into season four and walk away with Double Rainbow! Room 6BCF
12:30-1:30 BBC America's Doctor Who— Stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, along with writers and producers, make their first Comic-Con appearance for a panel and Q&amp;A! They're bringing exclusive new footage of the new season to be shown ahead of its late summer return on BBC America. Doctor Who follows the adventures of the Doctor, the mysterious traveler who journeys throughout all of time and space, picking up companions along the way and almost always sidestepping danger. From award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat and starring BAFTA nominee Matt Smith as the Doctor and Karen Gillan as his companion Amy Pond, the second season's Part One delivered record ratings for BBC America and marked the first time Doctor Who filmed on American soil. Also starring Arthur Darvill and Alex Kingston, the Part One finale ended with the unveiling of a massive secret and the words "Let's Kill Hitler" on screen. Part One is now available on Blu-ray/DVD/iTunes, and Part Two premieres late summer on BBC America's Supernatural Saturdays. Hall H
1:00-2:00 International Hit Merlin Returns to Comic-Con with its Popular Cast— Global sensation Merlin comes back to Comic-Con in advance of its fourth season premiere, offering more sneak peaks, greater behind-the-scenes reveals, and an unprecedented four members of its internationally beloved cast. Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) returns with three of his fellow castmates -- Colin Morgan, the beloved title character of Merlin; Bradley James, who portrays Prince Arthur; and Katie McGrath, the now-villainous sorceress Morgana. Co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy join their cast to provide an exclusive Comic-Con glimpse into the twists and turns of the upcoming season, offer a special advance look at new footage, provide a few unique prizes for fans, and supply some special surprises from the series that airs in more than 180 countries. Room 6BCF
1:45-2:45 The Cleveland Show— The cast and executive producers offer a look at The Cleveland Show's not-to-be-missed parody of Die Hard, followed by a discussion with panelists Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, Kevin Michael Richardson, Reagan Gomez, Rich Appel, and Kara Vallow. Hall H
2:15-3:15 The Looney Tunes Show Screening and Q&amp;A— Comic-Con can be a crazy place, but it's about to get Looney! After an extended break from the limelight, animation's favorite mismatched duo of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck (along with all your other favorite Looney Tunes characters) return in The Looney Tunes Show, an animated half-hour comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. Following a special screening, the laughs continue when supervising producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone (both from Duck Dodgers), story editor Hugh Davidson, writer Rachel Ramras and other members of the creative team take the stage to answer your questions. Just don't ask them, "Eh, what's up, Doc?" From Warner Bros. Animation, The Looney Tunes Show airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Cartoon Network. Room 6A
2:45-3:30 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia— Join the hilarious cast -- Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito -- for a Q&amp;A panel session. Hall H
3:30-4:00 Sons of Anarchy— Get an inside look into the world of FX's highest-rated series ever, Sons of Anarchy, with creator Kurt Sutter (The Shield) and stars Charlie Hunnam (Children of Men), Katey Sagal (Married...With Children), and Ron Perlman (Hellboy). Hall H

Update: New panels announced for San Deigo Comic-Con! Exciting additions include Wednesday night previews of upcoming pilots, and an advance screening of the latest Torchwood episode. SDCC 2011 looks to continue the Comic-Con legacy as the pop-cultural smorgasbord of the year.
Earlier: Comic-Con promises, as always, a variety of worthwhile material. Some of the attendees this year are listed below, with many others yet to be confirmed.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
UPDATE Special sneak-peak pilot screenings includes some interesting new programming:
J.J. Abram's new series Alcatraz, about the infamous prison; Person of Interest, a crime drama from Dark Knight scribe Jonathan Nolan; an anime adaptation of long-running CW show Supernatural, and supernatural romance drama The Secret Circle
THURSDAY, JULY 21
A screening of Awake: Following a car accident, a policeman and his son deal with the death of his wife … in a different reality, that same police and his wife deal with the death of their son. We have no idea which one is real, if either. Somebody really liked the last season of LOST.
Mike Judge's revival of his Beavis and Butthead series
Game of Thrones’ panel will include author George R. R. Martin, showrunner David Benioff, writer D.B. Weiss, and actors Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Jason Momoa, and Nikloaj Coster-Waldau.
Napoleon Dynamite the Animated Series (with a cast identical to that of the movie—minus Kip) will screen a preview.
Penn &amp; Teller Tell a Lie
UPDATE: Advance screening of the third episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day
Psych
FRIDAY, JULY 22
UPDATE: The Big Bang Theory panel plus Q&amp;A with cast
Bob’s Burgers will offer a preview of season 2, as well as a Q&amp;A with writers and voice-actors, including H. Jon Benjamin and Kristen Schaal.
Bones/The Finder Panel discussion with writer Hart Hanson, producer Stephen Nathan, and actors David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel.
UPDATE: Children's Hospital screening of new episode, Q&amp;A with cast including Rob Corddry and Malin Ackerman,
Falling Skies The new series that has nothing new to say about aliens
UPDATE: Green Lantern: The Animated Series video screening and Q&amp;A
UPDATE: Locke and Key pilot screening, discussion featuring Joe Hill, Rodriguez, writer/producer JoshFriedman, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.
Reign of the Dinosaurs Erik Nelson, David Krentz, Ricardo Delgado
Spartacus: Vengeance The unveiling of Liam McIntyre. Panelists include writer Steven DeKnight and actors Dustin Calre, Manu Bennett, Katrina Law and Xena herself.
UPDATE: World premiere of=""> Thundercats, the remake of the 80's cartoon. Episode screening and Q&amp;A with cast.
Torchwood: Miracle Day The cast and crew will attend
True Blood The cast and crew host a panel in the show's fourth appearance at Comic-Con
SATURDAY, JULY 23
American Dad A season-7 preview featuring a guest appearance by Cee Lo Green. Panel discussion features the cast and crew, with conspicuous absence by Seth MacFarlene.
Family Guy Sneak preview of Stewie Goes for a Drive. Cast and crew on panel, again no MacFarlane.
UPDATE: Fringe panel, ="">Anna Torv, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole, John Noble, and executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman appear to answer questions about the intriguing past season.
Futurama The nerdiest show at the nerdiest event in nerddom. A sneak preview will feature the show manifested as Japanese anime, for probably no reason (the best reason of all). Bill Morrison moderates a panel including creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen join a panel of voice actors Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio and Maurice LaMarche.
Good Vibes
Mythbusters
UPDATE: Nikita panel and Q&amp;A
Power Rangers Samurai
The Simpsons Matt Groening again appears on panel (and Seth couldn’t even do one), with Al Jean, Rob Lazebnik, Matt Warburton, Mike Anderson and Tom Gammill.
MTV’s Teen Wolf
Screening of the pilot for Terra Nova: a family from a hundred years in the future is transported to prehistory. Attendees include Stephen Lang, Rene Echevarria and Brannon Braga.
UPDATE: Vampire Diaries screening and Q&amp;A with cast.
SUNDAY, JULY 24
Castle
The Cleveland Show will host a Q&amp;A with cast and crew members following the show's Die-Hard
Allen Gregory (Jonah Hill's new animated series) Hill, David Goodman, Andrew Goodman, Jarrad Paul and voice cast will offer a sneak preview
Glee Creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk will show never-before-seen footage (there's probably singing)
UPDATE: Supernatural Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles return with additional cast to discuss the seventh season.
UPDATE: Young Justice producers and creative team Q&amp;A.
Source: Hollywood Reporter, Bleeding Cool
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Ailing
Maureen Reagan, the daughter of former President Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, is undergoing radiation treatment for melanoma that has spread to her brain, People magazine reports. Reagan was released in March from a Santa Monica hospital after 3 ½ months of chemotherapy treatment for a malignant tumor in her right pubic bone.
In Courts
Writer J. Davis Reed, who sued HBO last week for allegedly stealing his idea for the cable network's series Six Feet Under, will drop his lawsuit, Reuters reports. Reed suffered a setback in court Thursday when a New York judge refused to grant a temporary order blocking HBO from airing future episodes of the show, which airs Sundays. Reed had claimed that HBO and the show's creator, Alan Ball, stole the idea for Six Feet Under from a script Reed wrote and submitted to HBO called "For Heaven Sake."
A man convicted of murder escaped from a Los Angeles jail July 6 using an ID badge featuring a photograph of Eddie Murphy, BBC News reports. Hours after being convicted of shooting a man six times in 1999, Kevin Jerome Oullum strolled out of the jail wearing the badge and civilian clothes. Oullum, who was to be sentenced July 19, is still on the run.
In General
Are Charlie Sheen's swinging days over? The Hollywood bad boy's 2.5-acre Los Angeles bachelor pad is on the market for $4.5 million, The Associated Press reports. Sheen, the star of the ABC sitcom Spin City, recently bought another home in Los Angeles which he intends to remodel. No word yet on whether Sheen will throw in his little black book.
Britney Spears does not want to be considered a role model. The 19-year-old pop sensation, whose skimpy outfits and suggestive lyrics constantly land her in hot water with the parents of her teen-age fans, said she wants her new album and HBO concert special "to be shocking and edgier" than anything she's done before, AP reports. Whether Spears' planned duet with Cher during the show, set to air Nov. 18 from Las Vegas, falls into either category remains to be seen. Spears will release her new album Nov. 6.
Fears that the Japanese would not take too kindly to Pearl Harbor proved unfounded this weekend. Director Michael Bay's reenactment of the Japanese 1941 surprise attack of Pearl Harbor earned $7.09 million over a two-day period, marking Buena Vista's biggest ever opening in Japan. The film not only earned more than Armageddon, which marked the first collaboration between Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and star Ben Affleck, but knocked A.I. Artificial Intelligence from the No. 1 box office spot.
Enterprise, the new Star Trek series, will launch Wednesday, Sept. 26, with a two-hour premiere, UPN has announced. The series will air at 8 p.m. Wednesdays during the rest of the season. The fifth Star Trek series, and a prequel to the original 1960s show, stars Scott Bakula.
Critics may have dismissed NBC's summer hits Fear Factor and Spy TV as TV at its worst, but the network will continue to air the reality shows as long as audiences tune in. NBC has ordered 13 more episodes of each series, Variety reports.
Crime does pay for HBO, thanks to The Sopranos. Now the cable network plans to go straight. HBO is developing a new police drama from Homicide's David Simon and ER's David Mill, who last collaborated on HBO's miniseries, The Corner, Variety reports. HBO also said it is in discussions with The Sopranos' David Chase about the future of the hit mob series beyond its fourth season. HBO will rerun every episode from the first three seasons on Sunday nights for 39 weeks beginning Aug. 12. The fourth season of The Sopranos will likely debut next summer.

Never underestimate Julia Roberts' clout.
Daily Variety reports that the actress is showing interest in the action-comedy "The Mexican" and is considering taking the female lead. The pretty woman's possible involvement in the $10 million dollar project is indelibly breathing renewed life into the formerly lackluster project, which saw the joint departure of "Fight Club" helmer David Fincher and megastar Brad Pitt early in its pre-production phrase.
The effect of Robert's decision goes far beyond than just one star billing for the flick. Variety reports that many Hollywood insiders predict that Roberts' move might very well reignite Pitt's interest in recommitting to the male lead.
The flick is about a seasoned criminal who hunts down a legendary cursed pistol in Mexico while being pressured to change his evil ways by his girlfriend.
J.H. Wyman will script the film and "Mouse Hunt" Gore Verbinski director will take the helm.
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A DIVA: Whitney Houston's diva status is about to be forever immortalized on the silver screen.
Trade papers report today that Overbrook Entertainment and Brownhouse Production -- companies owned by Will Smith and Houston, respectively -- have acquired the remake rights to Jean-Jacques Beineix's 1981 French thriller "Diva." Houston is reportedly playing the title role of opera singer.
Houston and Smith seized the rights to "Diva" earlier this week. Ex-Supremes legend Diana Ross, no slouch in the diva department herself, previously had an option on the property, but it lapsed a year and a half ago.
The moody thriller follows a young postal delivery boy whose obsession with an opera diva ends up embroiling him in a web of murder and mystery.
DEUCE'S WILD: Ever wonder what "West Side Story" would be like without the songs and dances?
For those of you who answered: "'Romeo &amp; Juliet,'" stifle it, smarty-pantses. The Hollywood Reporter reports today that MGM has bought the North American rights to the late-1950s street-gang flick "Deuce's Wild," described as a "West Side Story"-esque story -- except without the, yes, songs and dances.
Fairuza Balk ("The Craft") is currently in final negotiations to stake the female lead. Possible male stars include Stephen Dorff and Josh Hartnett ("The Faculty").
Set to be the sophomore directorial effort of Scott Kalvert ("The Basketball Diaries"), the flick is set to roll in front of the camera in mid-April.